As you might have guessed I enjoy wine. And a few years ago I lost my sense of smell. Now, there is no good comparison to losing your sense of smell, but especially when wine is not only a hobby but also an occupation, it greatly hampers your life.

After working with my family practice doctor for a few months, I finally got referred to an allergy doctor who also loves wine, so he had a great understanding of my issue. After a round of testing, we discovered I’m VERY allergic to the great outdoors and cats. The outdoors is manageable–stay indoors, run the air conditioning and if I’m outside working I wear a mask. But I live with and love two adorable cats that I did not want to get rid of.

The doctor got me on a good cocktail of medication: nasal sprays, pills and allergy shots. But the most important thing I discovered was the neti pot. The medication was great for managing my allergy issues, but was not as helpful for being able to quickly restore my sense of smell. To my delight, the neti pot returned my sense of smell immediately.

A neti pot is a nasal cleansing system. It looks like a tiny tea pot or water can. By mixing a warm water salt solution you are able to rinse your nasal passages. It takes a few times to get used to it. It can take a few times to clear things out, especially if your nose is blocked up. A saline nasal spray is a much smaller rinse than a neti pot, and not as effective.

I have found using the neti pot a requirement in the morning when I have important tastings. One of the bonus side effects of using a neti pot is if you ever get sinus headaches, this clears them up immediately!

The one final product that helps manage my allergies is an allergy pillow cover. This is a cover that goes over the pillow, but under the pillowcase. You want one from either an online allergy store or major bedding retailer, but it must say Rx on the package. This is another product that gives relief overnight.

I still take my medications and get my allergy shots regularly, but my neti pot travels everywhere with me, my allergy pillow cover is on all my pillows and, most importantly, my cats and my passion for wine have been able to find a way to live together in harmony.